Dubspot presents a look into our online curriculum experience with Dubspot UnFiltered, a new series created to share the intimate experience that Dubspot Online offers for DJs, music producers. In this first episode we peek into the work of Devon Karpf, a 13-year-old producer who has been working with Thavius Beck in our Ableton Live online program.

Dubspot Unfiltered: Ableton Live

In Ableton Live Level 2, we examine multiple electronic music styles and learn about the different elements that make them unique. This class assignment asks the student to produce a finished mix of a track they have been working on throughout the level.

Dubspot presents a look into our online curriculum experience with Dubspot UnFiltered, a new series created to share the intimate experience that Dubspot Online offers for DJs and music producers. In this first episode we peek into the work of Devon Karpf, a 13-year-old producer from San Francisco who has been working with Thavius Beck in our Ableton Live online program.

“We take great pride in offering what we consider to be the best curriculum and most informative videos to our students in our online school. Prospective students might be unaware that the learning experience is further strengthened by the individualized video feedback our instructors provide to the students. This is a tremendous opportunity to get focused help that is tailored to your needs as you progress through the course. I’ve had many students respond by saying that the individualized video feedback was the most valuable resource they had at Dubspot.” – Matt Cellitti

Underscores // San Francisco, US

Born and raised in San Francisco, Devon Karpf (a.k.a. Underscores), began composing and recording music when he was six years old. A burgeoning multi-instrumentalist (drums/piano/guitar), Devon found himself drawn to electronic music, particularly dubstep. Devon wanted to learn the complexities of Ableton Live and sound design, but could not find a school that would allow someone of his age to enroll. He had to get by with YouTube tutorials.

It was on YouTube that Devon discovered Dubspot. When he turned thirteen, he visited the Dubspot campus in Chelsea. It was clear from the moment he walked in that he had found a group of people who had as much passion for music production as he did. He enrolled in the online Ableton Live Production track, taking it alongside his normal school schedule.

Devon hopes to be a working producer someday, collaborating with great artists, seeing the world, and sharing his music.

“My experience at Dubspot Online is definitely one-of-a-kind! The videos are really in-depth and very informative. The personal feedback that I get every week on my assignments is very helpful, and I am learning a ton. It’s nice to be in a community that appreciates the music I like, learning from so many chill teachers. I have found my tribe.” – Devon Karpf a.k.a. Underscores

The flagship of our music training, with every Ableton Live course offered at the school. After completing this program, you will leave with a portfolio of original tracks, a remix entered in an active contest, a scored commercial to widen your scope, and the Dubspot Producer’s Certificate in Ableton Live.

What’s Included:

Ableton Live Level 1: Beats, Sketches, and Ideas

Ableton Live Level 2: Analyze, Deconstruct, Recompose, and Assemble

Ableton Live Level 3: Synthesis and Original Sound Creation

Ableton Live Level 4: Advanced Sound Creation

Ableton Live Level 5: Advanced Effect Processing

Ableton Live Level 6: Going Global with your Music

This program is about learning Ableton Live by going through the entire process of being an artist, by developing your own sound through a series of sketches and experimentation. You will also learn the ins and outs of this powerful software through a series of exercises designed to help you master the steps involved in producing your own music. After a level of getting familiar with the tools that Ableton has to offer, you will then develop your sonic ideas into full-length tracks. You will be exposed to a variety of approaches to arrangement and composition, storytelling techniques, ways of creating tension and drama in your music. At the end of the day, it is the sum total of your choices as an artist that define your sound, and Levels 2 – 6 will give you the experience of actually completing tracks to add to your portfolio.

Upcoming Online School start dates:

Dec 08, 2013 - Course in session; seats still available

Feb 02, 2014

Apr 06, 2014

More start dates and information about payment plans can be found here.

The best producers, DJs, and musicians in the world strive to be well-rounded. So should you. In Dubspot’s Music Foundations Program, you’ll explore three major aspects of music: rhythmic theory, melodic theory, and critical listening.

Unravel electronic music’s origins, build your chops, learn musical language and theory, and make and play music the way you want.

What’s Included:

Music Foundations Level 1: Pads & Rhythmic Theory

Music Foundations Level 2: Keys & Melodic Theory

Music Foundations Level 3: Electronic Music Appreciation

“This course exceeded my expectations. I went through everything I needed to have a solid knowledge of basic music theory.” - Jonathan Crespo, Miami

“MF has been an amazing experience! I didn’t realize I was going to learn so much about electronic music history, something my generation missed.” - Yianno Koumi, United Kingdom

Upcoming Online School start dates:

Dec 08, 2013 - Course in session; seats still available

Feb 02, 2014

Apr 06, 2014

More start dates and information about payment plans can be found here.